Healthcare Assistant - Ophthalmology

Our client is seeking an Ophthalmic Healthcare Assistant to join and complement their multi-professional eye care team.

The successful candidate will support Orthoptists and Ophthalmologists in delivering high-quality community-based eye care services. This role involves working autonomously within defined protocols to undertake a range of ophthalmic clinical assessments and diagnostic procedures, ensuring patient safety, comfort, and dignity at all times.

Ophthalmic Assistants act as the first point of contact for patients and perform a variety of essential clinical and administrative tasks under the supervision of qualified clinicians.

Key responsibilities include:

• Working autonomously to undertake clinical testing of visual fields using the Humphrey Visual Field Analyser.

• Assisting at Community Eye Service clinics as delegated by the Orthoptist/Ophthalmologist.

• Promoting positive public relations by delivering a professional, courteous service to patients, families, and carers.

• Ensuring the safe use, cleaning, calibration, and maintenance of sensitive ophthalmic equipment.

• Supporting the smooth and efficient running of community ophthalmic clinics.

Core Clinical Duties

Patient Assessment & Testing

• Taking detailed ocular and systemic patient histories.

• Performing preliminary examinations, including visual acuity measurements and auto-refraction.

• Conducting diagnostic tests such as visual field testing.

• Performing visual assessments and ophthalmic imaging.

• Lensometry and spectacle-related skills.

Medication & Clinical Support

• Instilling prescribed eye drops in accordance with medical direction and established protocols.

• Assisting the ophthalmologist during in-office and minor surgical procedures.

• Ensuring appropriate informed consent procedures are followed.

• Medication management, including safe storage, stock rotation, and reordering.

Equipment & Technical Competencies

• Equipment maintenance and minor repair coordination.

• Safe handling and hygiene of accurately calibrated equipment.

• Adherence to infection prevention and control standards.

Patient Care & Education

• Providing ophthalmic patient education and reassurance.

• Supporting patients throughout diagnostic and treatment pathways.

Assisting in Surgical Procedures - Core Competency Areas

• Instrument preparation

• Aseptic technique

• Sterilization procedures

• Surgical site identification

• Non-refractive laser therapy support

• YAG laser assistance

• Laser safety compliance

Details:

• One day per week (Friday)

• Fixed-term contract for an initial six-month period